Grant funding

Applications for this funding opened 3 October 2017 and close 12 December 2017.

In recognition of the role that the voluntary and community sector plays, particularly for those who need additional help and support, we are making £177,000 of funding available per year from April 2018 to March 2021. This funding is being focussed on making a positive impact on improving lives, particularly for people who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. It is subject to an annual review of performance and the continued availability of funding.

Our strategic plan summarises what we will do, sets out where we will seek to influence other organisations, and suggests how communities can help to make sure our district has:

A vibrant and prosperous economy

Healthy and safe communities

Clean, green and welcoming places to live

Taking the council’s strategic plan outcomes and supporting evidence base as the basis, the community and voluntary sector funding will be targeted at the healthy and safe communities strategic plan priority. This will enable the funding to be focussed towards those who experience disadvantage and are vulnerable and where the community and voluntary sector plays a key role.

We want to fund projects/activities that will impact on the six funding outcomes identified below:

Ageing well

Countering social isolation and loneliness

Preventing homelessness

Being more active

Building resilience and improving wellbeing

Supporting volunteering and a thriving voluntary and community sector

We would particularly welcome new or innovative approaches and organisations working together to combine their skills and expertise.

There is no indicative value set against each lot, although we want to award funding across all lots, with a minimum award of £5,000 in order to have sufficient impact.

This focus on healthy and safe communities is not intended to indicate that funding will just be available for organisations who have traditionally delivered in this field - we would very much welcome projects from any organisation that can demonstrate how it can help deliver these outcomes. The prospectus sets out more information about what we are looking for and the application process. Download the application form.